In March of 2021, Chris Kelly, the captain of Michigan’s adaptive tennis team, traveled to Alabama to participate in an invitational tennis competition. This tournament was a long-awaited way to bring together high level competition. In the wake of COVID-19, all tournaments had were canceled. This opportunity offered Chris a chance to compete for the first time since the pandemic’s initial outbreak last year. Hosted by the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala., the competition consisted of Alabama’s own wheelchair tennis team and three visiting athletes. Over the course of two rounds, each with four matches, Alabama’s team and Chris' team engaged in a friendly battle for the majority of the eight matches. At the end of the weekend, Chris and the visitors secured a 5-3 win and a phenomenal competitive experience.
In Chris’ own words, "It was an amazing opportunity to be able to travel for a competition after a long year of waiting. I am greatly appreciative for the donors who made it possible for me to participate in this invitational. I had a weekend of competitive tennis and it helped in getting me ready for our team nationals in April. Go Blue!"
